Set in an 1896 building with original mosaic floors, Desco is known for its Italian standards, including house-made-pasta dishes such as lamb-cheek pappardelle. BART stop: 12th Street/Oakland City Center

Within this largely white corner café boasting woods floors and a white-marble counter, Fraîche Yogurt serves both fresh a frozen variations of this homemade treat (they make small batch with organic milk and probiotic culture, as well as a lactose-free, soy version).

A family-run soul food restaurant, Everett & Jones opened in 1973 and has expanded with multiple locations. The dining room of this Oakland site is casual, with Raiders pennants lining the walls and tables covered with plastic cloths.